2018 Ford F-250 Reviews, Ratings, Prices - Consumer Reports
2018
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Ford F-250

Unlock Ratings
The Ford F-250 has always had a single-mind focus: handle heavy loads and tough jobs. The redesigned 2017 model builds on that legacy by reducing the beast's overall weight and going heavy on refinement and technology. Of all HD trucks, the F-250 is a unanimous favorite among our staff.
Alerts
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2018
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Ford F-250

Reliability
See All
Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver NA
IIHS Side Crash NA
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit.
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.
Fuel Economy & Emissions
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Greenhouse Gas Greenhouse Gas The Greenhouse Gas Rating represents the amount of carbon dioxide the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
NA
Smog Rating Smog Rating The Smog Rating represents the amount of health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
NA

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
Transmission Minor Transmission Minor Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.
Drive System Drive System Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
NA
2008
2009
NA
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS standard from 2001. ESC standard from 2011.
Road Test

The Ford F-250 has always had a single-mind focus: handle heavy loads and tough jobs. The redesigned 2017 model builds on that legacy by reducing the beast's overall weight and going heavy on refinement and technology. Of all HD trucks, the F-250 is a unanimous favorite among our staff.

Like the light-duty F-150, the new F-250 has an aluminum-alloy body and a frame mostly made from high-strength steel, a combination that makes the truck about 100 pounds lighter than the previous F-250 we tested.

Seating
3 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
4WD, Rear
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
extended cab
regular cab
crew cab
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed Automatic
Engines Available
  • 6.2-liter V8 (385 hp)
  • 6.7-liter V8 turbodiesel (450 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Ford F-250 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Power steering pumps and hoses

"The hose broke twice and I had to towed both times. First time it happened I was off-roaring and hit a dip. The second time I was stuck in the snow, I stepped on the gas and it broke again."

Anonymous, CA (2018 Ford F-250 XLT 6.2-L V8)
Springs or torsion bars

"torsion bar joint wear helps causing the wheel vibration"

Anonymous, CA (2018 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)

"Apparently this was part of the problem with the front end shake. The service dept. seemed to be very familiar with the issue as it seems to be a common occurrence with the F250 models"

Danny P., TX (2018 Ford F-250 XLT 6.7-L V8 diesel)
Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

"I am not sure what the problem is, but I don't know that Ford does either."

Anonymous, OK (2018 Ford F-250 XLT 6.7-L V8 diesel)

"When hit tough spot on road while going g through a curve, the steering wobble and vibrate very badly and make it difficult to steer. Slow down and it would stop."

Anonymous, KY (2018 Ford F-250 XLT 6.7-L V8 diesel)
Steering wheel vibration

"its called the death wobble. Its a known steering problem with F250s. There is a ford service bulletin out. The problem is serious at high speeds"

Anonymous, (2018 Ford F-250 King Ranch 6.7-L V8 diesel)

"Very scary wobble of death at 15K miles. Had to stop on the freeway to stop the wobble. Steering wheel vibrated nearly out of my hands! Happened many times once it happened the first time. Ford put me off for 2 months before they had the part to repair. Don't know at this point how long the repair will last. I wish CR would write about this 3/4 ton pickup problem, particularly with the F250s."

Anonymous, CO (2018 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)

"Steering stabilizer was bad. Replaced under warranty. Tried to get dealer in Alaska to look at it but they said they didn't know what it could be and it would be a month before they could get to it. Took it to the dealer in Colorado I bought it from and they knew what it was before they even looked at it."

Anonymous, (2018 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)

"I found later the problem was termed "Death Wobble", which could cause you to lose control with no warning. Ford Motor Company issued a Service Bulletin, but declined to Recall. Mine was first repaired at 9,000 miles, and again at 12,000 miles. at 12,000 miles, I had to wait 2 months for the repair parts. It was operable, but not safely. I now have 13,200 miles and just don't trust it. Ford Customer Care tried to be helpful. I feel they just have a design flaw."

Anonymous, OK (2018 Ford F-250 XLT 6.7-L V8 diesel)

"Ford had to replace the steering damping shock."

Anonymous, CA (2018 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)

"Vehicle developed the death wobble at 75 mph on the highway. The front end of the truck began to shake violently and I had to pull over and stop completely to make it stop. Restarted, and 5 miles down the road it happened again."

Danny P., TX (2018 Ford F-250 XLT 6.7-L V8 diesel)
Tie rods

"tie rods replscement are part of the f250 service bulletin"

Anonymous, (2018 Ford F-250 King Ranch 6.7-L V8 diesel)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Water leaked in from front windshield finding its way down frame and into cab at the emergency brake."

Anonymous, CA (2018 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)
Wind noise

"Appeared that the doors weren't sealing completely."

Anonymous, (2018 Ford F-250 XLT 6.7-L V8 diesel)

"noise mainly pulling a 31 ft. boat"

Anonymous, SC (2018 Ford F-250 King Ranch 6.7-L V8 diesel)

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Display screen goes blank

"Main mother board had to be replaced"

Anonymous, FL (2018 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)
Hardware replacement

"Main master mother board had to be replaced"

Anonymous, FL (2018 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Horn

"Horn completely stopped working March 2020. We have not taken it in to repair due to COVID-19"

Anonymous, TX (2018 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)
Warning lights

"The emergency light goes on. When I turn the engine off and turn it back on, the light doesn't come back in. This happens every once in a while."

Anonymous, CA (2018 Ford F-250 XLT 6.2-L V8)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

4WD/AWD components

"vacuum leak caused front wheels to not engage when selecting 4WD mode"

Todd S., TX (2018 Ford F-250 Platinum 6.7-L V8 diesel)
Transfer case

"Vibration under the Drivers feet at highway speeds of 100 km/h or more"

Anonymous, NS (2018 Ford F-250 XLT 6.7-L V8 diesel)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

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